Religious Studies GCSE Revision Guide Philosophy 1 Unit B603
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1 ADVICE ON REVISION
This guide has been produced to give you all the key information you will need to pass your RS G.C.S.E. The information is laid out in easy to read bullet points with quotations to support the information. Each section contains the teachings of Christianity on the units you have covered in class. It is important to remember that there is rarely a simple teaching accepted by all believers, especially in Christianity. If you do not understand any of the words or information it is important that you look it up or ask for help.
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
The booklet has been laid out clearly into different sections corresponding to the units you have covered and will answer in the exam.
You will find the information laid out in bullet points. This is the bare bones of what you will need. You must refer to your exercise book and any other revision guide (GCSE BBC Bitesize, Downend Moodle website or revision books published by OCR) that you have access to. If you are not familiar with any of the terms used it is important that you ask.
At the end of each set of bullet points you will find a series of quotations. By learning these you will develop a better understanding of the religious teachings. Failing that, it is a good idea to know where the teachings come from, so try to learn the references.
HOW TO REMEMBER
There are many different ways to revise but the best way is to be active in what you are doing.
Don’t just read through your notes and the guide
Don’t just pick it up, do 3 minutes and then put it down
Don’t leave everything to the last minute
Don’t revise without breaks
Don’t punish yourself if you get something wrong
Don’t revise where you know you will get disturbed
Do make a plan of what you will revise and when
Do test the information you have learned each time
Do give yourself rewards when you have worked hard
Do put up post it notes around the house containing key terms, dates, concepts, etc. Especially in places you visit a lot, e.g. the fridge, toilet, light switches etc.
Do play quiet music if it helps you to concentrate
Do tell your friends that you are serious about doing well
Do get other people to help you parents, friends etc.
2 THE EXAM
In the exam it is important not to panic. Take your time to read through the questions and select the ones that you are confident with. Make sure that you understand what every part of the paper is asking you. You will have lots of time to plan your answers so don’t just rush straight in. Set yourself 30 minutes for each question and make sure that you do not over run. You can always add more at the end if you have time. Try to ensure you are not repeating yourself. Always write in full sentences. If you are running out of time and have not included everything, jot down in bullet points what you wanted to say. You will get credit for this. If you have finished before time is up, take care to read through your answers, correct any mistakes and add any more information that you may think of. You must choose 2 Christianity questions from the choice of 3.
Each question is in 5 parts (a, b, c, d and e) which add up to 24 marks.
A – 1 mark. This will ask for the meaning of a religious word related to the topic. One sentence will do.
B – 2 marks. This will ask for 2 facts about an idea related to the topic so be specific and think in terms of your knowledge of Christianity. Do not over simplify.
C – 3 marks. This will ask for a description of Christian beliefs about an issue. Try to give 3 ideas.
D – 6 marks. More detail is needed here. The examiner marks this answer on a system of levels to assess the quality of your answer. They are looking for a comprehensive answer, structure and use of specialist (religious) terms.
E – 12 marks. (That’s 50% of the marks in case you needed that pointing out) Again this is marked on levels. You must make sure you are answering the question. A top level answer will show you have given your opinion and explained your reasons for it and included a range of other possible points of view. You must also show you know what a possible Christian response would be. It is a discussion, on paper. Write as much as you possibly can. Refer back to the question in your answer to retain focus and you will be fine.
3 B603 Three topics:
1. Religion and Human relationships
2. Religion and medical ethics
3. Religion, poverty and wealth
Topic 1: Religion and Human
4 Relationships
THE ROLES OF MEN AND WOMEN WITHIN A CHRISTIAN FAMILY
Some Christians believe men and women should have different roles – the man should be the leader and the woman should support him. The man should be the head of the family and wives should obey their husbands. This is because God made man and woman differently Others believe that men and women should be equal because they were both made in the image of God. They should share responsibilities and privileges. Catholics believe wives and husbands should respect each other’s roles within a marriage and value both equally. The book of Genesis gives different accounts of the order of creation of men and women (see religion and science topic) which can be used differently by both sides on the debate
THE ROLES OF MAN AND WOMEN IN THE CHURCH FAMILY
In the Catholic Church only men can become priests and bishops They have to remain celibate; in a sense their work means they are married to the Church Women can only go so far as giving out bread and wine at mass or performing social roles such as visiting the sick on behalf of the Church Protestant churches allow women to become priests. Recently in the Church of England they allowed women to become bishops. The Archbishop can still only be a man Both men and women can devote their lives to God by becoming a monk or nun
CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES TO MARRIAGE
Sex should be restricted to marriage 5 There are no requirements for Christians to marry If they feel that God wants them to share their life with someone then they should marry Marriage is intended as a lifelong commitment Marriage is a sacrament (A religious act that is a visible sign of God's love (grace) for people) In most churches both the bride and the groom should be Christian. Some churches allow mixed faith marriages Some churches will not give a full marriage ceremony unless both bride and groom belong to the same church
THE PURPOSE OF CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE
� Marriage is a gift from God It is given so that: � A man and a woman can share love and companionship � A man and a woman to enjoy sex with each other in the way that God wants � Children can be brought into the world � Children can be brought up in a Christian family and become members of God's church � A man and a woman can show love for each other and gain God’s grace in order to help them in married life
THE MAIN FEATURES OF A CHRISTIAN WEDDING SERVICE
. Talk and Bible readings on the nature of Christian marriage . Exchanging of vows . The exchange of rings, to symbolise the eternal nature of marriage . Prayers asking for God's blessing on the couple . Emphasis that God is part of the marriage and that this makes it for life
Civil partnerships?
6 A civil partnership is a relationship in which two people of the same sex make a legal commitment to each other which gives them the same rights in law as a married couple. The Roman Catholic Church rejects civil partnerships and says that it is sinful for two people who are married to live together this way. Also, as marriage is for having children and this can’t happen in a civil union, they are wrong. More liberal Christians (Quakers) say that God favours any form of partnership between two people as long as it is based on love and is monogamous. They may permit same-sex couples to have a blessing ceremony after their civil ceremony if they wish. Members of the Church of England vary in their response. Some priests will agree to hold a blessing ceremony after a civil partnership and others will not.
Jesus said ‘love thy neighbour as yourself’
Beliefs about Divorce and Remarriage
Divorce is the permanent ending of a marriage.
What do Christians think of divorce?
The teaching in the Bible is not completely clear on the subject of divorce. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus teaches that a man is only allowed to divorce his wife if she has been unfaithful to him-
In Mark’s Gospel, divorce is not allowed at all under any circumstances-
The Roman Catholic Church
7 The doctrine on DIVORCE is clear. You cannot get divorced, it is a sin. Teaches that married couples may live apart, if that is what they want to do, but they may not divorce. Catholics believe that marriage is a sacrament (how Christians become closer to God); it is a sign of something special and holy done by God, and it cannot be undone any more than a baptism or taking part in a mass could be undone. Roman Catholics, therefore, cannot marry a new partner if their first husband or wife is still alive. But sometimes in serious situations, a marriage can be annulled, which means that it is agreed that the marriage bond never really existed i.e. 1. Insanity 2. Forced marriage 3. The marriage was not consummated.
Church of England - C of E (Anglican)
Allows divorce as UK law allows it. If the couple sincerely believe that there is no possibility they will ever want to live together again, divorce can be allowed, and both partners are then free to marry other people. If either of them wants to marry a new partner in church, after divorce, then it is up to the vicar to decide whether they are taking Christian marriage seriously enough for this to be allowed. No minister can be forced to conduct a re-marriage against their will. Some churches also run counselling services to help people who are thinking about separating or divorcing.
Sexual relations and contraception
Roman Catholic Church
Many Christians believe that sex is only appropriate when it takes place between two people who are married to each other. This means that sex before marriage; homosexual relationships and affairs outside marriage are all considered to be wrong. They argue that the Bible teaches that the human body is a “temple of the Holy Spirit”. They might also say that God designed sex for a purpose- to create children and to strengthen the love between married couples. If sex is used only for pleasure and not for the reasons that God made it, then this behaviour spoils something that was supposed to be very special.
Church of England – Anglican:
8 Other Christians believe that these views are old-fashioned. They say that the main message of Christianity is love, and that sex is morally acceptable within any relationship that is committed and loving, whether or not the people involved are married to each other. Some Christians then, might accept sexual relationships between a committed homosexual couples, or between two people who are living together on a permanent basis, but they would still think it is wrong for people to be promiscuous.
What do Christians believe about contraception?
Roman Catholic Church
Contraception is a method of avoiding pregnancy. This Catholic Church say, people should remain a virgin until married and have no other sexual partners during their marriage The Roman Catholic Church teaches that artificial contraception is wrong. It is acceptable for Roman Catholics to use “natural methods” to plan their families, but it is not acceptable to use artificial methods such as the Pill or condoms. This is taught because Roman Catholics believe that the main reason why God created sex was so that children could be bought into the world, and they say that using artificial contraception goes against God’s plans (Natural Law).
Church of England – Anglican:
Some Church of England (Anglican) Christians disagree with this teaching. They argue that it could sometimes be a good idea for people to use contraception (All children should be conceived through choice). This Church argues that decisions about the number of children in a family are a matter for the parents’ conscience which is influenced by GOD.
This Church are prepared to accept pre-marital sex as part of a loving relationship/plan to marry
Adultery A married person having a sexual relationship with someone to whom they are not married.
9 Annulment A marriage is terminated by the Church because it was not valid.
Civil partnership Legal recognition of a same-sex relationship with a registry office ceremony.
Commitment A bond between couples.
Divorce The legal ending of a marriage
Pre-marital sex Having a sexual relationship before marriage
Promiscuity Having many sexual relationships before marriage.
Re-marriage Marrying again after divorcee. Also after annulment or widowhood.
Sacrament A special action which brings Christians closer to God ************** * Vows Sacred promises a couple make at their marriage.
Cohabitation Living with your partner but not being married
Procreation To have babies
Abstinence To not have sex
************** Seven vital actions for Christian salvation – Eucharist; baptism, * penance; marriage; conformation; anointing the sick.
Topic 1 – Religion and human relationships – Key Terms
Exam questions and instructions: Section A: Religion and Human Relationships
a) What is promiscuity? (1mark) b) What do Christians believe about civil partnerships? (2 marks)
10 c) How might a Christian marriage ceremony reflect belief? (3 marks) d) Explain Christian attitudes to the use of contraception (6 marks) e) ‘Divorce is always wrong.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer (12 marks)
(a) What is meant by divorce? [1 mark] (b) State two reasons which some Christians might give for seeking a divorce. [2] (c) Describe the roles of men and women in a Christian family. [3 marks] (d) Explain Christian attitudes towards divorce and remarriage. [6 marks] (e) ‘Married couples should never divorce’. Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and your own point of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12 marks]
(a) What is meant by civil partnership? [1 mark] (b) Give two reasons why a Christian might decide to get married. [2 marks] (c) Describe how a Christian might respond to a couple who want a civil partnership.[3 marks] (d) Explain how a Christian marriage ceremony might reflect Christian beliefs about marriage.[6 marks] (e) ‘A couple should be married before they have children.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and your own point of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12 marks]
(a) What does contraception mean? [1 mark] (b) Name two forms of contraception which might be acceptable to some Christians. [2 marks] (c) Describe the attitude of some Christians towards sex before marriage. [3] (d) Explain the beliefs of Christians towards the value of sexual relationships [6] (e) ‘It is the duty of religious people to promote the use of contraception so the world does not become overpopulated.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and your own point of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12 marks] Topic 2: Religion and medical ethics
11 A few words on the ‘Sanctity of Life’
You will need to know the meaning of the term ‘Sanctity of Life’. Christians apply this idea to different moral issues. This means that all human life is sacred It is precious because it is a gift of God Nothing should be done to destroy it
CHRISTIAN TEACHINGS
Christians believe that life is a gift from God Life is sacred, or Holy. Life should be treated as holy and valued and protected Human life has a special relationship with God God is part of life and humans do not have the right to do what they like with it The human body belongs to its creator God Only God can make decisions regarding life and death God sanctified human life by becoming human in the person of Jesus Christ Jesus suffered without trying to do anything to save himself Life should not be ended until God decides Obviously many modern medical advancements are not specifically covered by Biblical teachings Christians may differ over the issue of when life begins and what kind of quality of life constitutes living
Attitudes to abortion
What is abortion? Abortion is the permanent termination of a pregnancy by the removal and destruction of the foetus.
Why do Christians have different attitudes towards abortion?
12 Because there is no direct teaching about abortion in the Bible, although there are many references to the sanctity of life that a Christian could use to make a decision about abortion Christians therefore have different opinions because they can interpret these references differently
What do different groups of Christians believe about abortion?
Abortion is not mentioned in the Bible, but from its earliest history the Church consistently opposed it. This remained the attitude of most Christians until the 1960s. It is still the view of many Christians, especially Roman Catholics and Evangelical Protestants. All Christians are unhappy with the idea of a woman having an abortion.
CHRITSIAN TEACHING ON ABORTION
Roman Catholics and Evangelical Protestants Believe that all forms of abortion are sinful and should not be allowed They are the main organisers of pro–life groups such as LIFE and SPUC (the Society for the Protection of the Unborn Child) They believe that all life is holy and only God has the right to end a pregnancy The unborn child is created in the image of God and is one for whom Jesus died Every human being has the right to life Adoption is seen as a better route than abortion However, if the life of the mother is in danger - the doctrine of double-effect can be used This means an abortion can be carried out to save the mother’s life. Roman Catholics would not agree with abortion if the woman was pregnant as a result of rape
The Church of England and Methodist Churches
Agree that abortion is evil but that sometimes the lesser of two evils has to be chosen Christians should always do what is the most loving thing in the circumstances They would allow abortion if the pregnancy was a result of rape They would also allow abortion when the embryo was deformed They would also allow abortion when the life of the mother is threatened Some would also allow abortion for social reasons such as poverty They believe this because the sanctity of life can be broken in such times as in a ‘Just War’ so can also be broken for abortion 13 Life does not necessarily begin at conception. Life does not begin until a soul has been given. Jesus taught to love your neighbour, and abortion after rape would be the most loving thing to do.
Says no to abortion Says yes to choice
What do Christians believe about fertility treatment and cloning? 14 Definition: Fertility treatment is the medical treatment given to help people who want to have babies but are unable to conceive naturally.
CHRISTIAN TEACHING ON FERTILITY TREATMENT AND CLONING
Again, there is no specific teaching about fertility treatment in the Bible, because it is something that was not possible in the time when the Bible was written; doctors did not have the technology. Christians often refer to references about the sanctity of life when making decisions about fertility (all life is sacred). Christians believe that life is a gift from God and that God has a purpose for each human life.
Couples may seek fertility treatment (or in‐vitro fertilization (IVF)) if they cannot conceive naturally Doctors will create embryos artificially and implant them into the woman Not all Christians agree about fertility treatment. Roman Catholics tend to feel more strongly against it than other Christians do - it is unnecessary and immoral and often introduces a third person into a relationship. Some Christians (Church of England) say fertility treatment is right because when it works it brings happiness. They think that giving fertility treatment would be the most loving way to behave and shows agape (love for everyone), and will bring about the creation of new human life which is a good thing. Roman Catholic’s say that if people have no children, this is God’s ‘natural’ plan for them and it is wrong to interfere. Some are concerned about the destruction and disposal of ‘spare’ embryos as they feel they are a human life.
15 Many Christians recognise that God gave us intelligence to develop cloning with the possibility of developing cures for human diseases and conditions A Christian's view on cloning will largely depend on how the embryo is viewed
•
It is following the example of Jesus as a healer and is keeping the commandment The Golden Rule, given by Jesus about treating other people in the way that you would like to be treated yourself-
What is cloning?
. Cloning is the “copying” of an organism (Human – plant). . Christians believe that human beings are created in the image of God and, therefore, they are unique. . Human life is something to be valued and not treated like a commodity to be bought and sold - this could happen if cloning is allowed to continue and developed - people may soon be able to replicate themselves (dolly the sheep)!
What are the Christian opinions of cloning?
Some Christians see this as the equivalent to ‘playing God’.
Some people have promoted human cloning for the purpose of creating replacement organs for people in need of transplants who cannot find a suitable donor- this is known as “therapeutic cloning”. The thinking is that to take one’s own DNA and create a duplicate organ composed of that DNA would greatly reduce the chances of organ rejection. While this may be true, the problem is that doing so cheapens human life. The process of cloning requires human embryos to be used. While cells can be generated to make new organs, it is necessary to kill several embryos to obtain the required DNA.
In essence the cloning would “throw away” many human embryos as “waste material,” eliminating the chance for those embryos to grow into full maturity many Christians would have a huge problem with this:
16 The Methodist Church believes that it is right for scientists to try to learn more about diseases and conditions such as infertility and it accepts that using “spare” embryos” for medical research is important, and believes that this experimentation should be allowed, but only in the early stages, up to fourteen days after fertilisation. The Methodist Church is keen to be involved in committees which discuss the morality of new medical investigations.
Christian Attitudes to euthanasia and suicide
What is euthanasia? “Euthanasia” literally means “a gentle, easy death.”
All Christians believe euthanasia and suicide is wrong
What does the Bible have to say about euthanasia?
Christians believe that life is a special gift from God, and this affects all their beliefs about the body and the care it should receive. As a gift, it should be treated with respect and dignity, since it is unique and sacred (the “sanctity of life”). Through his actions and teaching, Jesus made it clear that everyone is valuable in the eyes of God. This is a guiding principle for Christians today. Death is seen as a stage in life, not necessarily the end of life, and to end it prematurely is against God’s plan...
What do Christians say about euthanasia?
17 Euthanasia in the form of the deliberate killing of a person is a grave sin However not all Christians agree on what to do with people who are terminally ill and are only being kept alive by medical interference Some Christians believe if someone is dying in a lot of pain, euthanasia can be the most loving thing to do Any action which is intended to cause death of a suffering person (e.g. giving a drug overdose) is wrong Any omission (failure to give) treatment to cause death is also wrong (e.g. not giving a dying diabetic insulin is wrong.) Again, there are many different opinions on whether an individual has the right to end their own life, or whether people are merely ‘stewards’ of their own lives and their life is really something that belongs to God. The Catholic view is that euthanasia is always wrong, it is never right to end someone’s life before it would naturally end. Instead, Catholics favour the Hospice Movement as an alternative to euthanasia. Hospices are shelters for the terminally ill where people can die in dignity. The founder of the Hospice Movement, a Christian called Dame Cicely Saunders said:
John Paul II, the previous Pope was also very much against the idea of euthanasia: ‘Euthanasia is a grave violation of the natural law of God.’
In cases where a person is dying in extreme pain, Catholics may agree that the ‘doctrine of double effect’ would come into play – relieving someone who has a terminal illness of their extreme pain may be a good and the most loving thing to do even if the outcome of giving a patient a large dose of a pain-killing drug has the side-effect of ending their life.
What do Christians think of suicide?
Suicide is the ending of one’s own life. Suicide used to be seen by Christians as very wrong, but today most people believe that people who want to commit suicide should be given care and sympathy The Roman Catholic church does not permit ‘sane’ suicides to be buried in consecrated ground but most people who commit suicide are not considered to be sane, either through stress or depression so this would rarely apply Christians may volunteer for organisations such as the Samaritans to try to prevent people from reaching the point where they want to kill themselves Christians believe this because of the teachings on the sanctity of life and the belief that only God has the right to take life.
18 Catholics say that suicide is a great sin, and euthanasia is the same as suicide. They also believe that we should learn from suffering and we cannot learn if we eliminate it. Some Christians like the Quakers feel euthanasia should be allowed if a person requests it and their illness is incurable. They believe this because of the principle that God gave humans free will.
There are many reasons why someone may choose to end their own life, for example because of mental illness, or worries over money or relationships. Most Christians believe that it is wrong for a person to make the choice to commit suicide, although at the same time they recognize that people who try to take their own lives have often gone beyond the stage where they are able to make sensible decisions. In a short passage in 1 Corinthians, Paul explains to the early Christians that they have a responsibility to look after their bodies because God lives in them:
Christians might use this passage in a discussion about suicide, to show that the body should be treated as a place where God lives - like a temple - and should be respected, not killed. On the other hand there is a story in the Bible where God seems to allow a person to end their own life:
In the book of Judges - Samson the famous warrior had been taken prisoner and had been chained to the two middle pillars of a temple. He prayed to God for the strength to push them apart, thereby knowingly causing the collapse of the building, his own suicide and the death of people inside. Samson had been blinded, and no longer wanted to live as a captive. This story seems to suggest that there are certain circumstances where God accepts suicide.
Do animals have rights?
Relationship between humans and animals
19 1. To help make human life better or easier, but in return they should be treated fairly.
2. To serve humans in any way possible. It does not matter how they are treated because they are not human.
3. To live their own lives unaffected by humans.
Christians believe humans are God’s most important creation and that humans have been given the power and authority to rule over animals.
What do Christians believe about Animal rights?
Over 250 million animals a year are used in research for medical and cosmetic purposes. Much of this research is carried out without an anaesthetic being used. People hunt and shoot animals for enjoyment. Fox- hunting and stag hunting have been part of the English way of life for centuries. The Bible assumes that people will kill and eat animals. Amongst the many laws that God gave the Jews were those telling them how to kill and cook animals. This reflects the story of creation in the opening chapters of the Bible:
No one has been quite sure over the centuries what the words ‘subdue’ and ‘have dominion’ were intended to mean. Later in the creation story, human beings are described as “stewards” of the earth and that suggests a rather different picture. A steward has delegated authority from his master to whom he is, in the end, answerable for his actions. ‘Subdue’ and ‘dominion’, however, suggest power and that is certainly how people have understood their power in the past. Jesus was known as the ‘Good Shepherd’. It is very difficult to imagine God the Shepherd and Jesus, the Good Shepherd, approving of factory farming methods, cosmetic experiments being carried out on animals and hares and foxes being chased to a point of total exhaustion.
What is the Church teaching about animal rights?
Catholics do not accept that animals have rights. Catholics focus on human duties towards animals. Animals, as our fellow creatures, should be a particular concern in our attitude towards creation. ‘We owe them kindness.’ (From the Catholic Catechism)
Should Christians be vegetarians?
20 Quakers were among the first vegetarians in the 19th century. Today many Quakers are vegetarian, but it is a matter of choice as it is for other Christians also. They have a larger proportion of vegetarians than other well-known denominations and at gathering of young Quakers the diet is almost exclusively vegetarian.
What other uses of animal are acceptable or unacceptable?
The most controversial area of animal welfare for Christians is that of using animals for medical experiments. For over 100 years the Quaker Concern for Animals group has tried to influence other Quakers to resist using animals for medical research on ethical grounds. But Quaker doctors and researchers who use animals in experiments justify this on the grounds of the gain to human and animals in terms of knowledge. Official teaching of the Catholic Church tolerates the use of animals in medical and scientific experiments; ’if it remains within reasonable limits’ and if this contributes to ‘caring for or saving human lives.’ Catholics also believe that animals may be domesticated and used to help people in their work or leisure. Nearly all Christians are united in condemnation against using animals for researching cosmetics. Most Christians would agree that it is necessary to use animals for medical research that can help human beings Although many people eat meat and keep animals to work for them this is not seen as reason to treat them badly. Being cruel to animals is often seen as abusing the authority which God gave to humans
‘The Church recognises the need for animals to be used in certain research to improve medical understanding....It also however affirms that responsible stewardship of the natural world requires all animals to receive careful and sympathetic treatment.’
21 Medical ethics Questions of morality that are raised by medical situations
Abortion Deliberate termination of pregnancy by removal and destruction of the foetus. Euthanasia When someone is helped to die without pain before they would have died naturally
Embryo A collection of cells that develops when a sperm fuses with an Egg IVF From the Latin ‘in vitro’ (In glass). A form of fertility treatment where doctors extract a couple's eggs and sperm and fuse them together to create an embryo which is then inserted into the woman’s womb Suicide Taking your own life
Assisted suicide / The process of euthanasia – when a doctor helps a patient to voluntary die at the patient's request euthanasia When a patient has no say if they die or not but a doctor withdraws medical assistance. E.g. switching off a life support Non‐voluntary / machine when someone is in a coma passive euthanasia
The view that abortion is wrong
Pro‐life
The view that abortion should be an option and is the woman’s decision to make Pro‐choice
Sanctity of life The belief that human life is holy given by and is therefore sacred
Embryo A foetus before it is 4 months old.
Clone An individual organism or cell which are genetically identical
Fertility treatment Medical treatment to help women become pregnant
Sacred/sanctity Holy, having something of God or the divine
Genetic The deliberate modification of the characteristics of an
22 Engineering organism by manipulating its genetic material
Topic 2 – Religion and medical ethics – Key Terms
Exam questions
B603 Section B: Medical Ethics
(a) What is meant by cloning? [1] (b) State two reasons why some Christians might oppose human cloning. [2] (c) Describe the attitudes of some Christians towards a couple seeking fertility treatment. [3] (d) Explain some Christian attitudes towards abortion. [6] (e) ‘Children are a gift not a right.’
Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and your own point of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]
B603 Section B: Medical Ethics
(a) What does euthanasia mean? [1] (b) Give two reasons which might lead a person to commit suicide. [2] (c) Describe the attitude of some Christians towards suicide. [3] (d) Explain the attitude of some Christians to helping a terminally ill person to die. [6] (e) ‘Only God has the right to take life.’
Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and your own point of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]
B603 Section B: Medical Ethics
(a) State one way in which animals are used for medical research. [1] (b) State two reasons a Christian might be against euthanasia. [2] (c) Describe how a Christian might respond to the issue of cloning. [3] (d) Explain why Christians might have different attitudes towards a woman seeking fertility treatment. [4]
(e) ‘We should be able to treat animals in any way we wish.’
23 Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and your own point of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]
24 Topic 3:Religion, Poverty and Wealth
Christian views of wealth and the causes of hunger, poverty and disease. Biblical teachings about concern for others. Different ways Christians might put charity into practice. Christian teachings about the use of money and donating to charity. Christian teachings about moral and immoral occupations.
What does Christianity say about the causes of hunger, poverty and disease?
Hunger Many MEDC’s (more economically developed countries) have trade restrictions which prevent LEDC’s (less economically developed countries) from selling high value good to them.
E. g. an LEDC might sell coffee beans to an MEDC at a low price. LEDC’s are prevented from processing the beans themselves as the more powerful MEDC’s would impose trade restrictions or taxes that would make it unprofitable. Many global companies set up factories in LEDC’s where they can more easily exploit the workers with low wages and poor conditions that would be unacceptable in MEDCs.
Many Christians feel that this global imbalance is unfair and unjust. Tradecraft is a Christian organisation which aims to bring about fairer practices and promote fair trade.
Some Christians may believe that hunger in the world is brought about by the greed of certain countries at the expense of others.
The parable of the Sheep and the Goats might provide guidance for Christians on how to treat those less fortunate than themselves.
Poverty
25 MEDCs have been accused of pursuing policies that exploit the LEDCs and keep them poor. E.g. MEDCs have encouraged LEDCs to borrow money for investment into their country and they often find they are unable to pay back the loans as the interest rates are so high.
Some Christians would claim this is the same as usury (loaning money at any interest rate). This is criticised on the Old Testament and is considered as bad as robbery. Natural Disasters
Natural disasters affect LEDCs disproportionately harder than they affect MEDCs because they cannot afford the same type of preventative measures, early warning systems and do not have the same level of emergency services and internal organisation to cope when they occur.
Some Christians link natural disasters to God in various ways:
A punishment from God for being unfaithful
A test (Job)
The Devil trying to destroy faith.
Other Christians may say that environmental damage caused by humans who only focus on profit has helped cause natural disasters. E.g. cutting down rainforests have contributed to global warming causing floods and droughts. Disease
Children in LEDCs are more likely to die from curable diseases like measles due to a lack of funding for vaccinations. The lack of access to clean drinking water is also a growing contributory factor in the spread disease like cholera among the world’s poor.
Many Christians feel that powerful drugs companies refuse to sell their patents or make their products more cheaply available prevent poorer countries from accessing basic healthcare.
26 Religious views of poverty and wealth.
The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams marching against poverty in 2011
Christian attitudes to wealth and poverty
Many do not see being wealthy as a problem but they believe that it is how money is used that is important. Most Christians believe that they have a duty to help the less fortunate. Some Christians view wealth as a temptation that leads people to behave in a less Christian way. However, they believe that if wealth is used appropriately then a person can still go to heaven.
Throughout the Bible people are encouraged to look after the poor and question their relationship with wealth.
Matthew 6:24 You cannot serve both God and Money.
Proverbs 14:31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honours God.
Matthew 19:21 If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.
Christians have used their wealth in a variety of positive ways. E.g. In the 19th Century Dr Barnardo with other Christians’ support set up homes for orphaned children.
The Wills family in Bristol gave generously to Bristol University and the city museum in the 18th and 19th centuries.
There are several organisations that modern churches support. The photograph at the top shows the head of the Church of England the Archbishop of Canterbury together with the head of the UK Catholic Church marching against poverty.
27 Many secular/atheist people might turn to the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights as a guide to supporting the less fortunate or as a way of highlighting wealth inequality and poverty in the world. This document contains the basic standards which all humans can expect and have the right to. Christians might also support this document as it contains much that they would agree with. Concern for others
Throughout the Bible there are teachings on how Christians have a duty to help and support the poor.
Some of the teachings suggest that those who do not help the poor will be punished or suffer due to the absence of God.
The manner in which Christians support the poor is also important. The Bible teaches Christians to be humble and compassionately giving money privately without boasting. Doing God’s work should be enough rewards!
The story of the Widow’s Mite teaches Christians about the importance of giving no matter how small.
Some argue that in a modern society with increasing division between the rich and poor it is unfair to put pressure on poor people to give to charity when so many rich people give proportionally very little. The story of the Widow’s Mite encourages this unfair attitude.
Statistics show that the poorest in the UK give the largest amount to charity.
To follow these teachings Christians might:
Donate to Christian charities.
28 Some who have little money
may offer time or expertise.
Volunteering in shops
The Salvation Army often raises money through playing in brass bands. The money is used to help the homeless or support those who suffer alcohol or drug abuse.
Some Christians dedicate their whole lives
to improving people’s lives. They may work full
time for a charity or get involved in political campaigns.
Moral and Immoral occupations
Many people have a view on what a moral or immoral job or career might be. Christians may agree but might turn to the Bible for great guidance.
Many Christians would use the central Christian teaching ‘The Golden Rule’: Love your neighbour as yourself
This could be used to identify occupations which directly harm others.
Pornography
Gambling
Selling weapons
29 However, Some Christians may take this further and reject jobs that indirectly cause harms to others:
A publisher that, amongst other things, publishes pornography
A factory that uses non-fair trade goods such as coffee or chocolate
Drug manufacturers that exploit poorer countries
Any unethical firms or companies that go against Biblical or Christian teachings
Ultimately, it comes down to individual human conscience and Christians must draw their own conclusions and define their own boundaries.
Jobs that Christians would consider moral and in line with Christian teachings are often found in the caring professions.
Teaching
Medicine
Charities
Social services
Care for the elderly
Counselling
This kind of work can be seen to have a direct positive impact on people’s lives.
Many Christians might find it difficult to follow a moral occupation. Some will have to earn a living and support families and be in a situation where choosing a more moral job is not an option. Some may argue that pursuing a moral occupation in difficult economic times is a luxury that many cannot afford. Secular or Atheists may agree with this.
30 Key terms
Word Meaning Charity To give money or help those in need Compassion Sympathy and concern for others Duty An obligation to do something for someone Ecumenical Different Christian denominations working together Immoral Not conforming to accepted standards of behaviour LEDC Less economically developed country MEDC More economically developed country Moral Conforming to accepted standards of behaviour Philanthropist Someone who donates money, goods, services or time to help a cause which benefits society. Tithe The Christian practice of giving a tenth of their income for charity Trade restrictions One country preventing another country for trading fairly
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